Proceedings against the University (subpoenas)

A subpoena is an order from a court, tribunal (or certain other bodies) requiring the named party to:

attend the court or tribunal to give oral evidence, and/or

produce a document, documents or other evidence to the court or tribunal.

If a subpoena requires the party to attend to give evidence, it is called a subpoena to attend to give evidence.

If a subpoena requires the party to produce a document, documents or evidence, it is called a subpoena to produce.

A subpoena must be complied with within the specified time frame. Not complying with a subpoena constitutes contempt of court, unless the recipient party successfully applies to have the subpoena set aside.

The University receives subpoenas from time to time that require it to produce documents. Archives and Records Management Services (ARMS) accept service of subpoenas to produce on behalf of the University. Any subpoena to produce which is served on the University but not on ARMS must be immediately sent to ARMS to ensure that University procedures are followed in relation to it.

All subpoenas that require the production of documents on behalf of the University should be addressed to:

ARMS cannot accept service of subpoenas to attend to give evidence as such subpoenas must be served directly on the individual called upon to give evidence.

If a subpoena to give evidence is served on an individual within the University, and is relevant to the University, the individual should immediately contact ARMS for advice and assistance in relation to the subpoena.